Houston County officials are investigating the cause of a fatal house fire.

The initial call came in around 10 p.m. Monday in the 600 block of South 4th Street in Crockett. Police Chief David Cross confirmed a man was found dead inside of that home.

Cross said it appeared as though the house was vacant. Police are investigating whether the person used an alternative source of heat to stay warm, seeing as the house was without electricity, but would not confirm whether that played any role into starting the fire.

The victim's body will be sent to Tyler early Tuesday morning for a preliminary autopsy, and results are expected by the end of the day. Police said the name of the person will not be available for several days.

The state's fire marshal's office has been called in to assist in the investigation.

A theology educator for a Southern Baptist seminary has found himself the center of controversy. We spoke to pastors in East Texas to get their reactions to Paige Patterson prematurely retiring from President of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

A theology educator for a Southern Baptist seminary has found himself the center of controversy. We spoke to pastors in East Texas to get their reactions to Paige Patterson prematurely retiring from President of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.